12 Things SWKLS: Thing 10

Introduction/Content

Welcome to the tenth thing in 12 Things SWKLS. This month’s topic is infographics.

Chances are high that you’ve come across an infographic online, as they are often included in news stories and shared on social media. Infographics are also a popular form of marketing because it can help turn a complicated subject matter into an eye-catching display, or take an otherwise boring subject and make it more appealing to readers.

Many libraries have started to create infographics that display information about their library in a condensed and eye-catching way. This infographic from the Hanston City Library was shared with attendees of their recent open house. Clay County Libraries used this infographic to inform their county commissioners about library usage and services. Libraries also use infographics to display reading and literacy information. There are many examples of infographics that are not library related, that might provide you with some additional inspiration. Although you are provided with a template created for this lesson, looking through other infographics may inspire you to make changes or create your own from scratch.

The activities for this lesson are due February 28 , 2017 at 11:59 pm central time and are worth 2 credit hours. Estimated work time: 1-2 hours.

If you would rather complete an alternate topic, please go to the alternate topic page and pick one from the list.

If you get stuck and need help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Exercises: (Due February 28, 2017 at 11:59 pm CDT)

Tools you will need:

A computer or internet enabled device.

An Internet connection

An email address

Your imagination

Activity 1: (30-60 min)

If you did not complete Thing 7, the lesson on using Canva, go back and review it. You will need a Canva login to complete this activity.

Create an infographic for your library using the provided template, or start from scratch and create your own.

If you are creating an infographic from scratch, skip this step and proceed to Activity 2.

Open the provided template. If you are not already logged into Canva, you will be prompted to login.

Once the template has opened, click File>Make a copy. This will save an editable version to your Canva account.

Rename the template by clicking on the title, “Copy of infographic template” and entering a new title.

Change the numbers in the infographic to reflect your library’s own statistics. (Double clicking inside the text box will highlight the text so it can be changed)

Your total circulation can be found in Verso. Staff dashboard>Statistics>Item material type. This will bring up a pop-up window for you to choose report options. Choose the following options- Run statistics:By Year, View Report: Excel, Select a date: Click on 2016. Open the downloaded report. Look for the total checkouts column, this is the number you will enter for the second figure, “books and media loaned to community members”.

If you do not keep track of the total number of programs presented in 2016, you could change this to Summer Reading programs. Those statistics can be found in the state report, or the Summer Reading Evaluation form.

Include a quote from a library user that you may have collected in 2016.

Canva continually saves edits, but you can click File>Save at the end to make sure all changes have been saved.

Download the infographic to save it as a PNG file (a photo). Click the Download button in the top right hand corner of the screen. Open the download and save the infographic to your computer. (Note: The infographic is automatically saved to your Canva account, so you will have access to it at any time and can make changes)

Loved this lesson!!! Love how accessible the stats are (with some help Savannah):)
I can see us using these with our 6×6 kits/info. Really good for Summer slide bookmarks!!! Great quick fact references for State Library website!!!

This would be great for bookmarks. I have created one simple bookmark since learning of Canva, but using the infographic would put the information at the patrons fingertips (so to say). And, would be a continual visual as they read.

Laurie I also included different information besides #’s and I also did a different template. Yours would be very helpful to new patrons having everything at their fingertips. I can’t wait to see all of the finished products.

I struggled with the class on Canva and I struggled with this class but once I got going with a different layout I managed it a lot better. I think I would give this another try. I included different information also on mine such as services, website, events, and stats. This could be very useful to present to the commissioners when it came to budgets. Even to promote an event at the library this could be used.

I too struggled with the Canva lesson but this was a little easier. Next time I will try some of the different options. I made an Annual Report on Word that is a tri-fold, it includes some pics from 2016, but an infographic bookmark would be very concise and maybe county commissioners would actually look at it?

1. YES! This is a fun and professional looking way to show our patrons and community the impact of their public library.
2. Stats on kids usage and activities are always great for promoting the library.

1. Yes, I see more infographics in our future! Ronna wants to keep this one to share with the County Supervisors when she has to present to them.
2. I’m seeing lots of good ideas in the comments here & can’t wait to see all your projects!

I enjoyed this lesson – we have been playing around with this some before the assignment. I created a brochure with 2016 stats for patrons and City Council Members. I didn’t follow directions exactly – so hopefully, this counts……but I like my finished product and think we can use it in the future. We use CANVA for most of our marketing material now and I think this is another great way to enhance our end cap displays and maybe even a monthly program flyer.

1. Probably will create more.
2. I can see using an infographic to share survey results, summer reading program announcements, storytime reminders. They would catch the eye better than just the printed word. If this shows up in red print, I haven’t a clue why!

(we are planning on putting my info-graphic in our local newspaper, instead of putting it online or posting it in our library)

1. I can see my self creating more, but I am kind of hard pressed to think of alot of ideas for other info-graphics
2. info-graphic about programs offered through the library. Historical/general facts about the library. fun facts about the library.